bullying, humiliation or fun? November 18, 2008

There has been a lot of press on the latest rounds of Strictly and X-Factor. One thing that has been surprising me is the attitude of the judges. The judges on both shows have expressed a very strong desire to get certain contestants booted out of the show. The current seasons of both shows have seen strong condemnation, by the judges, to particular acts. The attitudes, words and attitude with which they are conveyed have been quoted in a variety of ways from bullying, to humiation to fun.

If young people or children were to engage in this sort of public denunciation they would be taken to task for bullying people, it would not be considered acceptable behaviour, yet here we are in prime time viewing on British TV seeing adults behave in a way that is quite shocking. What is worse, both competitors are abiding within the rules of the relevant shows, providing entertainment (which is what saturday evening TV is about!) and putting copious amounts of effort into their performances. They are being targeted because the judges opinion is considered “paramount” in all things.

I wonder what mixed messages our younger generations are taking on board as they see the now ritualistic bullying and humiliation of some of the celebrities (lossely used term!) on our TV screens.

what, indeed, gives judges permission to resort to bully tactics? seems they think too highly of themselves and act like spoilt little children by using insults and bullying when they can’t get theior own way – thankfully, as all good youth workers know, there are very few children or young people like that around!

MM – thanks for the comment, that is one harrowing story. Sort of puts the shows into perspective.
However, think that many of the judges have gone beyond banter, especially in Strictly. My fave part is usually judges comments but this year have struggled to accept some of them….worse still is the contradiction between what is being told/taught/enforced with those under 18 is being totally disregarded by the media and held up as acceptable practice……the same media who condemn our youngsters so regularly.